As we reach the end of another successful school year, I would like to thank all our pupils, families and staff for their hard work, support and commitment. We wish every family a happy, safe and restful summer holiday and look forward to welcoming everyone back for the start of the new academic year. Our values of respect, resilience, reflection and empathy continue to shine through everything we do.

Looking Ahead to September

Please take a few moments over the summer to check our term dates and make sure your child is ready for the new school year. Full details can be found on our website, along with important information for families.

By the end of the first week of term, Year Leaders will have updated their Year Group Noticeboards with key information, curriculum updates and important dates for the year ahead.

Attendance Matters Every Day

The Government continues to place very high expectations on schools and parents regarding attendance. We know that pupils learn best when they attend regularly, and this is especially important for pupils who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

We expect every pupil to achieve at least 97% attendance, roughly no more than 6 days of absence across the school year. When attendance falls below this level, we begin to become concerned and will work with families to understand and address any barriers.

Every day in school counts, right from the very first day of Reception. Missing lessons means missing learning, friendships, routines and opportunities to thrive.

Families are reminded that holidays and travel should be planned during school holiday periods. The expectation nationally and locally is that term-time leave will only be granted in exceptional circumstances, with very few exceptions.

School Uniform

The Government expects schools to keep uniform costs affordable for families. Following feedback from parents, we have continued to reduce the burden of compulsory branded items while keeping the items that families told us they value most.

There is now increased choice, with more items able to be purchased from a retailer of your choice. Our PTFA will also continue to run popular pre-loved uniform sales, helping families save money and supporting sustainability.

For new uniform purchases, please order as early as possible. Last year, Stitch Design reported that:

• Every order placed by 11 August was delivered before the start of term.
• Approximately 90% of orders placed after 11 August arrived before the start of term.
• Every order placed before the start of term was delivered by 11 September.
• Around 3,000 individual uniform items were successfully supplied.

Ordering early helps avoid disappointment and ensures pupils are ready for day one.

Find out more: Parents, Our Uniform

Mobile phones

The Government has strengthened its expectations around mobile phones in schools. Thanks to parents' work with us during autumn 2025, these expectations have already been embedded successfully.

We strongly recommend that primary-aged children do not have a smartphone before secondary school.

Where parents feel a phone is necessary, we encourage a simple "brick-style" phone that can make calls and send texts only.

Any phone brought onto the school site must remain switched off, completely out of sight, kept in own bag and/or locker. If a phone is seen or heard at any point on the school site, it will be confiscated by a member of staff in line with our school procedures.

By working together, we can help reduce risks associated with smartphones and online access.

Find out more: Our School, Policies, Mobile Phones

Lockers and Bags

We are pleased to introduce new, larger lockers for pupils in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 from September.

Parents should ensure that any school bag purchased is suitable for our locker dimensions. Choosing the correct size will help pupils store their belongings safely and keep corridors uncluttered. Details on Our Uniform web page.

Thank you once again for your support throughout the year. Have a wonderful summer break, enjoy time together as a family, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in September.

Allergies and Morning snacks

The government has placed new expectations on school to manage pupils' allergies better. 

Keeping children safe is a shared responsibility. Our school kitchen is nut free, and we expect families not to send nuts or nut-containing products into school.

It is important to remember that not every child with an allergy has a nut allergy. We therefore ask all families to be mindful of food brought into school and to support us in helping keep every child safe.

For mid-morning snack,

• Nursery, Reception, year 1 and year 2 pupils are given a piece of fresh fruit or vegetable every morning through the government's School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme.
• Year 3, 4, 5 & 6 pupils may also bring a piece of fruit or vegetable from home. 

This approach promotes healthy eating and keeps our snack arrangements simple and consistent for all pupils.

Peter Dunmall